Greetings

Got my my new 04' V40 today. It has a B4204T3. Not sure what oil is inside, most probably Castrol. I plan to change it over to synthetic, most likely using Mobil1 0W40 as it covers the hot temp I live in and it's an ACEA A3.

In terms of changing the oil, I think I should be able to manage it after searching the brickboard and other forums. However I do have a few questions which I can't find the answers, and I need to get a special wrench.

1. Oil filter cap wrench - any preferences?

IPD and FCP both have these. IPD has 2 - the $7.95 version and the other more $$$ version. Reviews are mixed on the cheaper filter wrenches from IPD. And the more $$$ is not listed under the V40 section at IPD but listed under ALL the other FWD series. Are the filter housing for the S/V40 different from the other series?

FCP has one going for less than $7, though I can't find anyone having used it.

2. The manual says oil and filter change is at every 15000km. I have been using synthetics in all my other cars including my 740 with a long drain interval (15000km) and regular oil filter changes in between (5000km) for many years. I have no doubt the oil can last for 15000km. But going for 15000km for the filter is a big leap of faith for me. Are the FWD oil filters that good and can actually filter the goop till 15000km? What sort of intervals are folks here using with synthetics?

Another thing, may be a silly question, but would all the oil in the pan be drained out if I remove the oil filter without draining the oil? On the redblocks the filter are above the pan, but on the V40 I see the filter at the same level as the pan.

Thanks in advance

Aslan